Does giving ever stop being needed?

December 8, 2013

This is a special time of year ... for most of us ... isn't it? Our spirits were lifted as the Thanksgiving holiday approached. We joined with family and friends to reflect on our beginnings as a country, our family heritage, and the blessings that we all share. Now around the corner comes the Christmas and holiday season which many people of many faiths celebrate in many special ways. But the truth of the matter is not everyone shares in these special times with celebrations of their renewing spirits, gifting and good will.

Children and families still live right here, in our communities and maybe neighborhoods, in poverty. Hunger, homeless, mental or physical incapacity, joblessness, educational or skill deficits, abuse, and other challenges face many. Some we know, or at least we pass them on the street corners. You see "it" on their faces or in their walk. You wonder what gives them hope.

But I say, "be of good cheer" for many thousands of our citizens around the Panhandle are trying to do something about it, every day, every hour.

At your United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, we're celebrating the growth of our annual campaign: Not because it's for us, but because the funds we receive go right back out to more than 40 community agencies that are all working to make this a better place for those in need. That in turns makes this a better place for all.

Our goal for this year's community campaign is $766,000. And the best news is that 99 percent of those funds stay here where they work every day to make life better ... make a difference ... for so many who must suffer the difficulties of a "tough life."

Our member agencies, our "partners," tell us that the needs of their clients continue to grow. We know that from the number of people who register for state or federal support each month, who are evicted from their home, who can't make even minor payments for power or heat, who are out of work. We also know that most of "them" wish to work, wish to have food on the table for their children, or wish to be able to better provide for themselves. Sometimes "Them" can become "Us" or our own loved ones. Think about that!

I'm proud of the thousands of volunteers who serve our mission and those of our many partners. They give of their time, talent and financial resources to make a better life where it's needed, right here. I'm seeing donations come to us from school children who contributed more than $432 in pennies and small change, to a "community solutions" gift of $25,000. What a difference that all makes as it's added together. So, this is a message of thanks to those volunteers, donors and advocates who support our mission of giving back. You know who you are! Even better, you never ask for recognition. What a gift!

I hope our readers will check out our website to see what's going on at your United Way. Through your efforts we're able to support not only our many partners, but several programs in our Promise Neighborhood Initiative, Jefferson Teen Court Initiative, an Affordable Housing capability and others.

Finally, for those readers who are under age 45, or know of someone under 45: Our newest initiative is to engage, excite and enable our younger business and professional generation to take part in this region's growing need for community service work, charitable gifting toward improved community solutions and importantly their own professional and career development. We want them to stay here, grow and prosper in their professions and capabilities here and commit to ever-increasing community service as their own families grow and change. We call them our "Emerging Young Leaders" The first kickoff event to bring the EYL's together is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19 at the "Dish Bistro" in Charles Town. Check it out on our website.

Yes, absolutely, your giving is still needed. Come join us as UNITED, WE SERVE our fellow citizens to the best of our individual abilities and interests.

- Peter L. Mulford is the president and chief executive officer of the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.